Standing Together In Hope
1 Peter 4:1-11
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Do To Technical Problems This Weeks Service Is Unavailable On Our Website & YouTube. The Video Can Be Found On Our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/NewDayCovenantChurch
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility
count others more significant than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3
It was the sixth time in the past few months that I sat around the dinner table with seven other students at my college professor’s home. The meal was delicious and the interaction joyful and engaging. We picked up dishes, cleaned the table, and put things away together. Then we all gathered into the living room for a time of discussion and prayer. The usual format was that our teacher would go over a specific character quality of a godly leader. But this night he turned to us and asked, “Why are you here? Why do you come to my house and have dinner with me and my family when this is not a required class? What are you hoping for?”
One student blurted out, “you invited us here!” which prompted a subtle, nervous laugh from most of us. To which the professor asked, “Why did you accept my invitation?” He wanted each of us to answer that question and he patiently waited and listened for us to respond. We gave a variety of reasons why we were here, and he thanked each of us for our willingness to share. He then just looked up toward the ceiling and started having a conversation with Jesus about us. He was asking God to guide us, strengthen us, shape us, and prepare us to walk with Him closely in whatever challenges we would face in the future. Then he stopped. He looked around the room and tears filled his eyes.
“I invited you here because God put each of you on my heart as I looked out over the classroom and asked, ‘God, who do you want me to specifically give my focus to this year?’ You are here as an answer to that question. My office and home is always open to you. There is a quiet place downstairs if you need to study. Come and find me if you need to talk through anything.”
He gave us his phone number and invited us to call us with any concerns or problems. AND… over that school year, he kept his promise of investing in us.
He was not the best lecturer. His classes were sometimes lacking content. Because we got to spend so much time with him, we got to see his strengths as well as his weaknesses. He wasn’t always on time. He could be disorganized. He lacked some confidence on certain subjects. But oh, how he cared for us! He was always excited to meet with us and share a nugget of insight he gained about being a person of character, influence, and compassion. He changed my life.
Think about this as we prepare for Sunday…
What person (leader) has made a positive impact on your life?
Why did they make such a difference?
Grateful to journey together with you,
Pastor John